LINEAGE & INSPIRATION

We have had the great honor to have good, enlightened association with many compassionate and masterful teachers.May our efforts conjoin with these great teachers and let Peace prevail.LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTUMay All Beings Be Happy

SHYAMDASDevotional practitioner, translator, author, speaker and musician, Shyamdas (1953-2013) brought India's ancient Vedic literature and medieval devotional renaissance to life in the West. An accomplished practitioner-scholar and guide to the 16th century philosopher Vallabhacharya’s Pushtimarga tradition, Shyamdas published more than 15 books on Bhakti Yoga and the Path of Grace. Shyamdasji’s overflowing good mood and ability to relate to every individual and situation with bhava (divine, good mood) made him an instant best friend to so many. His profound contributions live on in our hearts, his audio, and written publications.

DR M.A. JAYASHREEDr. M.A. Jayashree served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Sanskrit at D.Banumaiah’s college in Mysore, Karnataka. She holds a doctorate in Sanskrit from Bangalore University for the thesis on the “Concept of Mind in Indian philosophy." Jayashree has authored many books, monographs and papers in the fields of Sanskrit, Ancient Sciences, Indian History, Indian Culture and Music. An accomplished teacher of Sanskrit, her melodious voice and transference of knowledge is remarkable.

SHRI BRAHMANANDA SARASWATIShri Brahmananda Sarasvati, aka Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D., had an extensive background in Eastern and Western medicine. In 1958, he founded the Yoga Society of NY. In 1964, he founded Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY, which still thrives with his teachings. A master of the Sanskrit language and Nadam (sound/ vibration), dedicated to the union of science and the spirit. He authored Fundamentals of Yoga, The Textbook of Yoga Psychology, and Self Analysis & Self Knowledge. He left his body in 1993.

JIVAMUKTI YOGA METHODThrough the blessings of their teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life co-founded the Jivamukti Yoga Method in 1984, which focuses on teaching and practicing yoga as a means to enlightenment through compassion for all beings. There are Jivamukti teachers and students all over the world, who keep the yoga scriptures alive, and who are working to protect animals and the environment.

RAM DASSRam Dass first went to India in 1967. He was still Dr. Richard Alpert, a prominent Harvard psychologist and psychedelic pioneer with Dr. Timothy Leary. He continued his psychedelic research until that fateful Eastern trip in 1967, when he traveled to India. In India, he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, who gave Ram Dass his name, which means “servant of God.” Everything changed then – his intense dharmic life started, and he became a pivotal influence on a culture that has reverberated with the words “Be Here Now” ever since. Ram Dass’ spirit has been a guiding light for three generations, carrying along millions on the journey, helping to free them from their bonds as he works through his own. His audio recordings are a well-spring of inspiration and are often heard in Andrea's and Jeffrey's classes.

SKI K. PATTABHI JOISShri K. Pattabhi Jois studied yoga under his guru Shri Krishnamacharya and attended the Sanskrit College of Mysore, where he became a professor of Sanskrit and Advaita Vedanta. He and Shri Krishnamacharya developed the Astanga Yoga series based on the purifying practices described in the ancient texts. In 1948, he founded the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore. In 1958, he wrote his classic book Yoga Mala, which explores Ashtanga and Yoga philosophy. Guruji left his body May 18, 2009.

SWAMI NIRMALANANDASwami Nirmalananda believed in the potency of Self rule, and he called himself the "Anarchist Swami." He lived in the serene B.R. Hills in Karnataka, India. Swami Nirmalananda was a naturalist and a "mauni". He practiced silence for 11 years, and sent thousands of letters to many people, including leaders of countries, encouraging non-violence, joyfulness, and simple living.